Around The Track Podcast Presented By Taylor Made: Andrew Beyer’s Lifetime In Racing

In his 50-year career, Andrew Beyer created a new category of horse racing journalist, a writer outspoken about the sport and a voice for horseplayers. He also changed handicapping forever with his invention of the Beyer Speed Figure.

In this edition of Around the Track, Beyer spins tales about his biggest scores and toughest betting beats; while not a touch-feely horse guy, he admits there was a filly that gave him goosebumps, plus he discusses the making of speed figures, cheating in the sport and some funny encounters he's had. We also hear from Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, one of the partners in Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, about that experience.

You can listen to Around the Track, hosted by Scott Jagow, below but you can also download it to your phone and listen at your convenience. It's available on iTunes, on android phones with the easy-to-use Horse Radio Network app, and other podcast apps.

Great interview. I’ve used the Beyer figures for years. Use them always to construct doubles and pick3s to pick sixes. With great success. Have also used in nany classic races to pick big price winners such as War Emblem in Derby,Arrogate in Travers,FortLarned, Mucho Macho Man, just to mention a few. Thanks again Andy.

Sri Bobananda

Fine interview. I believe that I am a few dollars better off because of Andrew Beyer’s books, along with those by Tom Ainslie.

Tinky

Good work, Scott! It’s a nice opportunity for people who haven’t met Andy to gain some insight into his fine mind, and passion for the game.

Ric

When I was working for Fasig-Tipton, I handled reserved seating at various select auctions, and one of those auctions was the Saratoga Sales. In 1976 I was approached by Andy Breyer, asking if I could find a seat for his girlfriend. In 1976, Andy Beyer was as much a legend to me as he is to everyone today; I would have jumped through hoops to help the handicapping legend. He told me to come up to the Press Box the next day and he would give me the winner of the Jim Dandy. He did not need to entice me to get a seat for his girlfriend; after all, he was Andy Breyer, but since he did entice me, I was at the Press Box before the Jim Dandy–Andy barely remembered making the commitment, but quickly dismissed me with, “Father Hogan”. As successful and intelligent (sic) handicapper as I was, I decided to look at the ‘Form’, then dismissed Father Hogan quicker than AB dismissed me. I have not checked my accuracy, but I believe that Father Hogan, trained by ‘Doc’ Schmitt, won by 3 and paid $18.

Andrew Beyer was very emphatic in his dismissal of the chances of Always Dreaming in the Preakness. He said AD would not even finish in the money. Those who love to disparage him will overlook this and continue on their senseless rants against his horse racing acumen.

Al Milano

I love this guy, but it was the other Andy, Serling, who definitively called the Preakness winner in that podcast.